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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1878 Excerpt: ...upon and forced to return. This outrage had been committed under the Spanish flag; but it was ascertained that the British colors had been flying with it until the day before, when they had been hauled down, to conceal the fact of co-operation of the Spanish authorities with the enemy. Jackson restrained his natural impetuosity, and, instead of at once punishing the flagrant act opposed to every principle and practice of civilized warfare, gave the Spanish governor an opportunity of explanation, by sending a captive Spaniard to him with a demand for it. An answer soon came from the governor, who declared himself not responsible for the outrage committed, and expressed a readiness to receive any messenger that the American general might send. The officer who had been fired upon was accordingly despatched again, with the demand that the forts Barrancos, San Rosa, and San Michael, which protected Pensacola, should be immediately surrendered, to be garrisoned and held by the United States until Spain, by furnishing a sufficient force, might be able to guaranty the neutrality of Florida. A decisive answer of non-com pliance with these terms being returned, Jackson immediately advanced with his army, surrounded the city, and, possessing himself of the batteries at the point of the bayonet, his men were ready to throng into the streets, when the Spanish governor was seen in a great state of alarm, bearing a flag. On being allowed to come up, he in faltering words begged for mercy, and promised to consent to whatever terms were demanded. Jackson insisted upon a surrender of the forts, which was immediately acceded to by the panic-stricken governor. The British vessels, in the meantime, were firing from their position in the bay upon the American troops as they appr...